To do it, go to System Preferences (System Settings on macOS Ventura) > Keyboard and click the Keyboard tab, then check the box labeled ‘Use F1, F2, etc. You can set the default for function key behavior to function keys rather than shortcuts for brightness, volume, etc. That changes the keys to F1, F2, etc., instead of their default use. So, how to use function keys on Mac? Just press a modifier labeled ‘Fn,’ also known as the Globe key on some Mac keyboards. On Mac, physical function keys double up as keyboard shortcuts for things like controlling brightness, invoking Mission Control or Spotlight, starting dictation, or controlling volume. Typically, they are configured on an app-by-app basis to execute or modify commands with that application. What are function keys?įunction keys have existed for almost as long as we have used keyboards to control computers.

In this article, we’ll show you what to do when that happens. Most of the time, they work just fine, but occasionally things go wrong and they stop working. If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, these keys appear in the Touch Bar. But they are also Function keys - special keys, the function of which varies according to the app you are using. By default, they perform tasks like changing the brightness and volume as well as controlling playback in Apple Music. The row of keys along the top of your Mac’s keyboard has a dual function. But to help you do it all by yourself, we’ve gathered our best ideas and solutions below.įeatures described in this article refer to the MacPaw site version of CleanMyMac X. So here’s a tip for you: Download CleanMyMac to quickly solve some of the issues mentioned in this article.

What is f4 on mac